Former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth Arrested on Money Laundering Charges

 Port Louis, February 18 – Former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been arrested on charges of money laundering, the country’s Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) confirmed early Sunday.

FCC spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye stated that Jugnauth "is under arrest" and will be held at the Moka Detention Centre in the central Moka district. The arrest followed extensive searches by FCC detectives across multiple locations, including Jugnauth's residence, where authorities seized 114 million Mauritius Rupees ($2.4 million).

Legal Proceedings and Denial of Charges

Jugnauth’s lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, told reporters that his client has been provisionally charged with money laundering but denies all allegations.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Mauritius’ financial sector, following the new government’s decision to audit public finances. In November 2024, newly appointed Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the audit, raising concerns over the accuracy of financial data compiled by the previous administration.

Last month, the country’s former central bank governor was also detained and later released on bail after being charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.

Mauritius: A Global Financial Hub Under Scrutiny

As an Indian Ocean archipelago, Mauritius has long positioned itself as an offshore financial hub, serving as a key economic link between Africa and Asia. However, the recent arrests of high-profile officials signal growing regulatory pressure on the country’s financial governance.

With the investigation ongoing, Jugnauth’s legal battle is expected to draw widespread attention, shaping the future of Mauritius’ political and financial landscape.